Siloam Springs Bible Church

Living by Wisdom’s principles only makes good sense because that’s how we were created. Wisdom knows what makes us tick; she knows what will give us joy and satisfaction. However, Wisdom is God’s possession; it comes only from Him. So the pages of God’s Word, the Bible, are loaded with wisdom, principles that will help us live lives of fulfillment and satisfaction. That kind of living is out of reach of gold, silver, jewels, and even Master Card. It only comes by wisdom; wisdom is priceless!

The writer suggests acquiring wisdom takes work: “applying your heart to understanding…” “and if you look for her as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure…” (2:2-3, NIV) “…and those who seek me shall find me” (8:17, NIV). Sounds like work! The writer seems to suggest that acquiring wisdom is an ongoing task. There’s always more to mine. When does one stop seeking? Is there just so much treasure? Probably not. So just how do we go about acquiring wisdom? Let me list a few ways:
• Read Proverbs. After all, the stated purpose of the book is to provide wisdom, instruction, understanding, prudence, knowledge and discretion, learning and guidance (1:1-6).
• Read the whole Bible. If wisdom is God’s and God has given us His word, then surely His wisdom is found on the pages of Scripture. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130, NIV).
• Be a persistent searcher—have the attitude of a prospector (2:2-3).
• Listen.
o To parents. “Listen my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be like a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” (1:8-9, NIV).
o To teachers, i.e., school teachers, but more so to bosses, job trainers, older people, mentors, books (read widely but well) such as biographies of great people and Christian leaders. Read good fiction.
• Make friends of wise people. This is especially true if you are looking for a life’s partner. Look for a prospective spouse who is also prospecting for wisdom.
• Become a keen observer of life.
o People (Read history and biography selectively. For example, Paul Johnson, a British journalist has written a concise history of the American people. Johnson loves the US and is very positive about our history.)
o Nature
• Learn from your experience, especially your failures. Don’t allow bitterness and resentment mist the lesson to be learned.

You can’t buy wisdom for any amount of money. Wisdom is God’s possession, but He’s offering to make it available to you and me. It’s available to all, but it takes hard work to get it. So when you get it, it’ll be worth it. Wisdom—priceless!